Your Shiba Inu’s dental health is just as important as its food quality, exercise, and grooming. It is part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be neglected since the Shiba breed is more prone to dental problems. This is why it’s important to always know proper dental health for Shiba Inu.
Some dog owners tend to overlook dental health and are unaware of the risks that come with it. Just like humans, there are multiple oral diseases that dogs can acquire and if left untreated, can lead to bigger and more serious health conditions.
Your trusted veterinarian will most likely recommend an annual dental cleaning. For the months in between, there are a few things we can do at home to ensure optimal dental health.
Brushing
The most effective and obvious way to prevent dental diseases and tooth decay is by brushing your Shiba’s teeth. Unfortunately, this is not the easiest thing to do. Most dogs hate the weird sensation that comes with it and this often gives owners a hard time, making toothbrushing a difficult task.
However, with positive training, it’s doable. Toothbrushing will remove and prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Everyday brushing is ideal but even once or twice a week can have notable benefits.
It’s important that you choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Dog-specific toothpaste is made with ingredients that are safe for dogs.
Quality Food
Another way to prevent dental disease from plaguing your Shiba Inu is by feeding him high-quality and healthy food. Packing the body with nutrients and essential vitamins, not only maintain your dog’s optimal health but also guarantees stronger and healthier teeth.
It is best to avoid dog food with ingredients like grains and by-products that are both unhealthy for your dogs and are ingredients that most likely stick to the teeth. Poor quality food increase plaque and tartar build-up and these keep your Shiba’s teeth from functioning to their full strength.
That’s why we recommend feeding your dog whole foods packed with natural ingredients. These contain enzymes and other vital supplements that help break down undesirable teeth build-up. However, just because you’ve been feeding your dog good food, doesn’t mean you should skip brushing or dental checkups.
Dental Chews
High-quality dental chews provide major dental benefits for your Shiba. They are specifically designed to effectively clean your Shiba’s teeth, just like how a toothbrush and toothpaste would.
While your Shiba chews on it, it scrapes off plaque and tartar. It also contains ingredients that prevent build-up and promotes fresher breath. What we appreciate most is dogs love dental chews since they are made to be a delicious treat and some are long-lasting so this keeps your dog’s mind occupied while they chew.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best dental chews that you’d want to try for your dogs!
Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews
Virbac has a good reputation as an animal health pharmaceutical company and its C.E.T VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews is, as expected, one of the best dog chews out in the market. You get a variety of sizes, from extra small to large chews, for different dog breeds. They are designed in a unique Z-shape that reaches different areas of your dog’s mouth.
These dog chews are plant-based with a short ingredient list that reduce tartar and plaque build-up. It doesn’t contain any gluten or animal-derived ingredients and even contains prebiotic that promote healthy digestion. It’s VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approved.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews Daily Dental Dog Treats
For the fur parents who are on a budget, the Milk-Bone Brushing Chews are great dental chews for your Shiba. They are of great value and come in big packages. They are VOHC-approved for tartar control but not for plaque and are available in mini, small/medium, and large sizes.
These brushing chews are designed to have ridges and nubs that help remove plaque and tartar build-up. The product claims to be fortified with calcium, vitamins, minerals and is void of any artificial flavors.
Greenies Senior Aging Care Natural Dental Dog Treats
Our lovable senior dogs don’t have the same teeth strength as their younger counterparts. Some dental chews can be too hard for them. This is why products like Greenies Senior Aging Care Natural Dental Dog Treats are very much appreciated by dog owners who have senior dogs.
These particular dental chews are designed for dogs aged 7 years old and above. They are 50% softer than the regular ones and are made with soluble, all-natural ingredients and packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. They are VOHC-approved for the removal and control of both tartar and plaque.
Greenies Puppy Regular Dental Dog Treats
From the same brand that offered us one of the best dental chews for senior dogs (see above), they also have one for puppies! Greenies Puppy Regular Dental Dog Treats are formulated for dogs 6 months and older. They are 50% softer than standard Greenies’ chew and are VOHC-approved for plaque and tartar control.
They are designed with the classic shapes, with ridges on end for a more thorough clean and contain DHA and calcium to promote brain, teeth, jaw development for growing dogs. The formula is soluble and is suitable for puppies since they are easy to digest.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones Grain-Free Dental Chews
For dogs who are allergic to grains or are on a grain-free diet, worry not for we have dental chews just for you! The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Bones Grain-Free Dental Chews both grain- and gluten-free chews that are also void of any chicken or poultry by-products, artificial preservatives, or artificial flavors. It is available in mini, small, medium, and large sizes for different dog breeds.
These chews help decrease tartar and plaque build-up and guarantee healthy gums and teeth. The main ingredients are potatoes and potato starch, which contains a higher number of calories per chew so adjust feeding accordingly. Keep in mind, these chews are not VOHC-approved.
